Get ahead of the competition with experiences that can help you define your future. Waterloo is a global leader in co-operative education. You can explore potential careers, build your network, and master new skills through up to two years of work experience – plus you’ll earn dollars that will go a long way to help cover the costs of tuition, books, housing, and anything else you need.
Benefits of co-op
- Gain two years of paid work experience with 4-6 four-month co-op work terms to grow your resume.
- Develop your professional skills by trying new experiences in different roles at different companies.
- Build your networks to find your career after graduation by connecting with employers.
- Earn between $55,000 and $85,000 CAD to help fund your studies.
- Travel the world with co-op opportunities across the globe.
Sample job co-ops
You will get the opportunity to try different career paths to find what inspires and interests you. Typical co-op jobs for math students include:
- Data scientist
- Risk Analyst
- Software developer
- Actuarial analyst
- Project manager
- Financial analyst
Co-op will teach you how to actively apply for jobs to prepare you for the professional world. This is what you can expect as a co-op student:
Step 1
- Build your resume.
- Log into Waterloo Works, Waterloo's employer database and apply to jobs.
- Interview with interested employers.
Step 2
- Rank the employer(s) you interviewed with and await their ranking of you.
- If you match, you have a job! If not, you will keep applying and interviewing.
Step 3
- Reach out to your co-op employer and set up for first day of work.
- Make an impression and enjoy your next four months of work!
Help & resources
The Centre for Career Action is available to help you prepare your résumé, develop your interview skills and navigate your career path. Schedule an appointment with a career or student advisor to improve your job search.
Co-op advisors in the Faculty of Mathematics can assist you with your co-op plan and sequence.
Hands-on experience
Co-op is a great way to gain hands-on experience but there are many more ways to develop your learning. The University of Waterloo has lots of opportunities for you to participate in hands-on learning. If you want to put your knowledge to work, here are just a few ways that you can get involved!
Hackathons
Test your creativity and technical abilities by attending a hackathon! At a hackathon, people come together, form teams around a problem or idea, and then collaboratively come up with a unique solution from scratch. Learn about our most popular hackathons: Starterhacks and Hack the North, Canada's biggest hackathon.
WATonomous
WATonomous is a student design team at the University of Waterloo at the forefront in the design, creation and neural training of autonomous self-driving vehicles. Learn more about WATonomous.
EDGE
EDGE is the University of Waterloo’s experiential education certificate program. EDGE is your opportunity to develop key professional skills, explore your career options, and market yourself to employers. Learn more about EDGE.
Velocity
Are you entrepreneurial and dream to found your own startup? Velocity offers programs for all students, regardless of their level of experience and helps build entrepreneurial skills and an innovative mindset. Learn more about Velocity.
Student success
- Mathematics Tutorial Centre (Mathematics & Computer Building (MC) 4065, MC 4066) provides assistance on an individual basis to students in first and second-year core Mathematics courses.
- Meet your academic advisors to plan your study at UWaterloo.
- Counselling Services provides a wide range of strategies to help the students do their very best at UWaterloo.
- Math Undergraduate Office (MUO) deals with any inquiries regarding course selection and other general questions.
- International exchange Hundreds of students have taken the opportunity to experience the world while earning credits toward their degrees.